Two major Lions’ awards will be presented during the dinner program. The Ed Block Courage Award annually goes to a Lions’ player who has overcome injury and/or adversity to excel on the field. Last year’s winner was quarterback Shaun Hill. This year’s Ed Block Courage Award recipient will be announced later.

The Ricky Sandoval Award also will be presented. The award, which recognizes individuals who have made contributions both in sports and in the community, is named in honor of the late Lions’ director of security who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in July 2009. This year’s recipient will also be announced later this month.

The event will include a silent auction featuring sports memorabilia.

Roger Goodell is the eighth chief executive in the NFL’s 91-year history. He was chosen by the NFL club owners to be commissioner on August 8, 2006 and took office on September 1, 2006.

Commissioner Goodell has focused his priorities on successfully growing the NFL’s popularity and strengthening the game and all 32 NFL franchises through innovation.

Fan interest in the NFL has soared under his leadership, including the largest television audiences in league history, enormous growth in online and social media engagement, and other measures of business success.

In his first six seasons as commissioner, Goodell has addressed a wide range of issues to improve the NFL, including player health and safety; the medical needs and pensions of retired players; personal conduct; revenue sharing; stadium construction; media innovation; and international development.

Goodell serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City and Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, New York. He is also president of NFL Charities, the league’s charitable foundation.